Beineix says New Currents jury are film guardians

Oscar-nominated French director Jean-Jacques Beineix, in South Korea to attend Asia's biggest film festival, believes the New Currents Award jury are 'guardians' of movies.

The director, best known for 1986 film "Betty Blue", made the remark on Friday at a press conference attended by all five judges of the panel at the ongoing 14th Pusan International Film Festival (PIFF).

"I think this is a position where the jury members from all over the world and Asia are meant to guard movies...... We are a family of guardians," said Beineix, jury president of the competitive section given to two best feature films by new Asian directors.

"I have always been interested in Asian films so I am honored to be judging for this section," the director added.

A total of 12 movies will compete for the New Current award judged also by Thai director Pen-ek Ratanaruang, Turkish director Yesim Ustaoglu, French director Jean-Jacques Beineix, Taiwanese actress Terri Kwan and South Korean cinematographer Kim Hyung-koo.

Beineix, a recognized nouvelle image director, made a loud debut in 1981 with his internationally acclaimed feature "Diva". He won the top prize in Montreal with "Betty" which was also nominated for best foreign language film at both the Oscars and the Golden Globe Awards.

Reporter : Park So-yoen muse@asiae.co.kr
Editor : Jessica Kim jesskim@asiae.co.kr